Well I started taking it apart this morning to look though it. Things look pretty good except for the brake pad and a little surface rust. There is a little wear in the tranny but nothing drastic. Here's a few pics of the work.

A little progress on this project to update you all on. I decided to redo the ignition system on the Tecumseh as outlined in this link: (Tecumseh solid state ignition replacement). I got some of the parts needed but the coil I ordered turned out to be a 6V coil (not paying attention I guess:wallbanging:). Returned that and will have to find another and get a spark plug wire. The guy at Autozone was trying to tell me it didn't matter but I figured since they went though the trouble of writing 6V or 12V on the side of the coil, there got to be a difference.

The starter needs rebuilding as well so I'll have to take it to the local auto parts store. Haven't had much time lately so it isn't moving along as fast as I'd like but it is moving. Haven't got the 1253 any more apart than in the previous posts pictures.

Attached a photo of the ballast resistor and the control module fresh out of the box.

That looks like it needs to live in Arkansas where it can join the rest of mine in retirement. Welcome to GTtalk, and I always enjoy the chats.

I wouldn't do that to him, he is the working type and wouldn't handle retirement real well. Plus the 1256 would get lonely without him. So I'll probably let him stay for the time being. I enjoy the chats as well, good to hear I don't bore you.

That's a sharp looking Bolens. Was the CDI pack in your tractor bad? If not, you may be able to sponsor part of the project with it...

Yeah the CDI was bad. That is why I am going this route to replace it cause getting a replacement costs an arm and a leg and it may be bad anyway. I may keep it around or send it to the guy in that ignition replacement link to reuse the censer coil out of it. I won't stake my life on that it is bad but it was getting no spark and I tested the stator and it tested good so the manual said to replace the CDI. My one trigger pin looks to be welded in, but it is the correct height, not sure if that is a factor. I didn't sand all the wiring connections though. I figured, replace everything and it would be easier in the down the road. When I get the starter rebuilt I may try it again to make sure.

Note on previous post: the trigger pin looks to be JB weld in or epoxied in not just mig welded or something. I didn't specify and thought I'd clear that up.

Today I tore the engine down as far as I wanted to go. Everything looks good to me. Soon I'll start ordering stuff for the tractor (once I get a paypal account going). Sure is hard to buy stuff now without a card or paypal account. Not sure when this restore will be done but at the rate I am going it will be next summer cause I don't have a heated shop and I am not ready to paint yet. Maybe it will make me slow down and do a better job.

Well the air filter assembly is coming from a seller on ebay and I just picked up the coil I need for the ignition system. I also picked up some 30wt engine oil and gas line. Tomorrow I have the day off so hopefully I can get the engine back together and running. I know it sounds kinda ambitious but I figure don't know unless I try. I'll probably put the tractor back together so I can use it for snowblowing this winter seeing as though I don't have a heated shop so I won't be able to paint this winter anyway. Will have to put off the restore till next year. The 1256 is out of commission until the engine is rebuilt as well so It will be good to have at least one running Bolens.

I know you all know what a coil looks like but I figured since you'all like pictures here it is.